THE high number of lost and stolen pets being reported daily all around the country is now very alarming and a growing problem. Reports of cats and dogs being stolen in broad daylight, sometimes even inside private residences, are rife in social media where distraught pet owners call for help to recover their beloved pets.

​The target of thieves are usually purebred pets, but there are also many cases of domesticated native dogs and cats that suspiciously go missing. Many of those reported stolen were small animals like toy dogs and cats, which could be easily carried away or placed inside a bag. However, medium and large size dogs are not completely off the hook as some have gone missing or were stolen, too.

On Oct. 31, a certain Aira Maldta Negra‎ posted on Facebook about her Shih Tzu and Pug which she said were stolen from their house in Calumpit, Bulacan at dawn. The grief-stricken Aira pleaded to anyone with information on “Gagay” the Shih Tzu and “Imaw” the Pug which she both treats like her children.

Gagay (Shih Tzu) and Imaw (Pug) were reportedly stolen inside the house of their owner in Bulacan. (Photo from Aira Maldta Negra's Facebook page)

On the same day, another dog owner, AJ Mojica from Ususan, Taguig shared in Facebook the photos of a man who was seen carrying away his dog. The photos were actually footages taken by the community CCTV. Mojica said the unknown man went inside their property to steal his dog, which remains missing as of this writing.

CAUGHT IN THE ACT. An unidentified man was seen carrying a dog which he allegedly stole from AJ Mojica's residence. The photos were from a barangay CCTV footage. (Photos from AJ Mojica's FB page)

​Later that day, Aira reported that she recovered her pug Imaw from the market in Pulilan, Bulacan. However, she continues to look for Gagay, her four-year-old Shih Tzu.

“They are not just my dogs, they are my babies,” Aira said.

The Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) has raised its concern over the continuously rising incidences of pet abduction in the country, particularly in Metro Manila. Its Facebook page has a section devoted to missing pets where they post pictures and information about the lost animals, as well as tips to keep them safe.

A MISSING pet notice posted by PAWS on social media. Those who steal cats and dogs often target the purebred, but there are also cases of lost or stolen native animals. (Photo from PAWS FB page)

​​PAWS advises owners to immediately search for their pets and distribute flyers in the neighborhood. Owners should also look at the pound, vet clinics and other places where an animal might go to. The animal welfare group also recommends that pet owners seek assistance from the barangay/police if they believe their pets were stolen.

In addition, PAWS encourages pet owners to be vigilant and keep their pets safe by doing the following:* When in public places (i.e, the mall, walking on your street/village, the vet clinic, etc), always make sure your pet is wearing a collar attached to a leash to keep them safe from harm and to keep them from hurting or scaring others. Also make sure you are always holding on to the leash and in control of your pet. RA9482: The Anti Rabies Act of 2007 Section 5 (Responsibilities of a Pet Owner) requires owners to maintain control over their dog and not allow it to roam the streets or any Public Place without a leash.

* Make sure you keep your pets indoors or in your home/yard/lot that is properly fenced to prevent your pets from running out of your home and being injured by vehicles, becoming victims of cruelty or picked up by dogcatchers or dog meat traders.

* Don't leave your pet unattended in public places (example: Don't leave your dog tied outside if you plan to eat in a restaurant. If your dog is with you, then please sit outside in the alfresco area.)

* SPAY/NEUTER your pets so that they don't wander off looking for a mate.

* Consider providing a pet tag hanging on your pet's collar. If your pet gets lost, this lets good samaritans know who to contact if your pet is found. You can also consider microchipping - this allows vets to be able to scan the dog for information of the owner.

* If you want your missing pet's photo posted in the PAWS LOST PETS album, please email TO: philpaws@paws.org.ph CC: pawsphinquiries@gmail.com and include a clear/recent photo, date/place last seen and your contact info.​